Not Rocket Science … Saving Fuel on a Famous Hill

Take another look at the map west of Ash Fork. The new track flew over the old track all right, but the old track was the one that took the longer 1.4% route.

If the train has 8 hp/ton, and wants to make good time, it should take the south track.

Why do you assume today’s westward trains coast up to the 35 mph curve on the north track? If they only have 4 hp/ton they can’t exceed 35 mph anyway. Do lots of trains have more than that?